Colclough upbeat for Armitstead after winning own world gold

Katie Colclough is adamant she can help Lizzie Armitstead to road race glory in Tuscany after being crowned world champion herself in the women’s team time trial.

The 23-year-old formed part of the Team Specialized-Lululemon squad that successfully defended their team time trial crown in Italy on the opening day.

Armitstead will bid for World Championship success herself in the road race on Saturday with Colclough among those British riders aiming to deliver her to the line.

And, with a maiden career world title under her belt, Colclough sees no reason why she can’t help the Olympic road race silver medallist from London 2012 upgrade to gold in Italy.

“I think I have got good form and I am hoping I can go and do a really good job for her. It is a very different course and very different type of event but I think have got good form and hopefully I can do something well for her,” said Colclough.

“It is the best feeling, I have never won a world title before so I am really, really pleased and to do it with these girls who I have ridden with for the last three years, they are like my best friends, so it is really good.

“It is so nerve racking before, with all the waiting, but once you are in it, you are in the zone. It is pretty straightforward, just nice straight and flat all the way to the first 30km and then we hit the town.”